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 Recovered: Missing Whitney Hiker 1/2/2025
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 126
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 126 |
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Re: Recovered: Missing Whitney Hiker 1/2/2025
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 44 Likes: 11
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 44 Likes: 11 |
This is extremely sad. I have been in contact with some of the missing hiker's friends, and it seems he lacked the mountaineering experience and may have hiked in ill-prepared. It was his first time in the Whitney Zone.
On Friday, December 27th, I visited the Whitney Zone to conduct reconnaissance for advanced mountaineering climbers. The plan was to reach Trail Camp and then return. However, I barely reached Outpost Camp (off trail) before the conditions deteriorated rapidly.
The winds were absolutely brutal! The NWS got the forecast wrong as well. The night before I hiked in, it dumped around 14 inches of snow near LPL.
If you're considering a trip to the Whitney area, I invite you to visit my Instagram account, where you'll find a collection of photographs and videos from my recent visit. Please note that the current conditions are suitable only for experienced mountaineers, so this is not recommended for the average hiker. It's important to understand that the Whitney Zone is not a safe place for first-timers to practice winter mountain skills.
Be safe, everyone!
I am MtnMike on other Forums and social media
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Re: Recovered: Missing Whitney Hiker 1/2/2025
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 44 Likes: 11
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 44 Likes: 11 |
The hiker's body was recovered about 1/2 mile northwest of UBL at around 12k feet. This is very sad. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.
I am MtnMike on other Forums and social media
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Re: Recovered: Missing Whitney Hiker 1/2/2025
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,527 Likes: 105
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,527 Likes: 105 |
It's truly sad to read a story like this. Being found at 12,000' elevation, northwest of Upper Boy Scout lake indicates he was completely off course, and completely unfamiliar with the correct Mountaineers Route.
May he rest in peace.
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Re: Recovered: Missing Whitney Hiker 1/2/2025
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,527 Likes: 105
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,527 Likes: 105 |
Here is the text from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEWOh0spGK-/Update Regarding Search for Taylor Rodriguez
On January 4, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Search and Rescue located Taylor Rodriguez approximately half a mile northwest of Upper Boy Scout Lake, at an elevation of 12,000 feet, near the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek Trail. It has been confirmed that he is deceased.
At this time, no further details are available. We extend our deepest condolences to Taylor’s family and friends during this difficult time.
We want to thank everyone who assisted in the search efforts, including climbers and hikers who provided valuable information. Special thanks to the Army National Guard, CHP Inland Division Air Operations, CHP Central Division Air Operations, CalOES FIRIS (High altitude imaging plane), Mono County SAR, and China Lake Mountain Rescue Group (Kern County) for their mutual aid and dedication. Additionally, we express our gratitude to the kitchen staff of the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office for their support to the search teams.
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Re: Recovered: Missing Whitney Hiker 1/2/2025
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,527 Likes: 105
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,527 Likes: 105 |
I invite you to visit my Instagram account Can't find it... MtnMike or Fit2Climb or ??? edit: Found your Instagram link (mtn.mike76): https://www.instagram.com/mtn.mike76/
Last edited by Steve C; 01/07/25 09:28 PM.
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